Decarbonizing Canada's homes and buildings is the only form of climate action that reduces emissions while also directly protecting Canadians from extreme weather. We develop and advocate for policies that make Canada's homes and buildings — our third-largest source of emissions — healthier, safer, more resilient to extreme weather, and affordable to heat and cool.
Buildings
Retrofits play a role in not only decarbonizing buildings, but adapting them for increasingly extreme weather
Energy efficiency creates more jobs than any other industry
An average of 9.5 jobs are created for every $1 million invested in a whole-building energy efficiency retrofit. (Data sources: Statistics Canada and Efficiency Canada; see Canada’s Renovation Wave (2021))
Key numbers
Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate
Our latest report, Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate, underscores the urgent need to retrofit existing buildings to protect Canadians' health and safety.
Read the report and see the highlightsResearch & Analysis
B.C. can seize huge economic, environmental opportunity with clean concrete
Report outlines practical solutions for the province to build a low-carbon futureThe Opportunity to Lead on Clean Concrete
Procurement and performance-based specifications to support the clean cement and concrete industry in BCVancouver Council’s natural gas decision recognizes industry voices
Pembina Institute applauds Council’s efforts to meaningfully address affordability and industry concernsCanada and the world’s progress on low-carbon concrete since COP28
Strides Canada has made to make concrete decarbonization a global priorityTime for a real conversation about energy transition
And what we need to do to seize the benefitsThe new energy economy has arrived, and Canada must pay attention
International Energy Agency’s 2024 World Energy Outlook full of proof points of the scale and pace of the world’s transition to clean energyWhy focus on buildings?
A tangible, results-driven solution
Buildings are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in Canada. One of the best ways to lower emissions and increase infrastructure resiliency is through deep retrofits—a holistic energy efficiency upgrade that improves occupant health and makes housing more affordable.
What does a deep retrofit include?
- Low-carbon materials
- New technologies (like heat pumps)
- Smart integration with electricity grids
Reimagining what is possible, one building at a time
The Reframed Initiative shows how deep retrofits provide many beyond-energy benefits like homes that are healthy, safe, resilient, and affordable to heat and cool. Our research signals a shift away from business-as-usual upgrades to deep retrofits as a benefit-rich pathway to decarbonization and adaptation.
Spotlights on Buildings
Charging infrastructure in multi-unit buildings
As sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the province of Alberta continue to grow, the number and location of EV chargers will need to increase accordingly to keep pace. This includes placing charging stations in apartments and condos where many Canadians live.
Contact our Buildings team
Program Director
Betsy Agar
c: 604-245-1387
e: betsya@pembina.org
Media Contact
Sarah Snowdon (Eastern Time)
c: 416-838-3423
e: sarahs@pembina.org
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